Joyce Ainsworth is the new Butler County human services director.

The county announced her appointment Wednesday.

Ainsworth of Slippery Rock was the deputy director of human services and director of Children and Youth Services.

She succeeds Carmine Scotece, who remains with the county on a part-time basis for the remainder of the year.

Ainsworth was hired by the county in 1989 as a mental health specialist. She was promoted to mental health director in 2001, then became CYS director in 2008.

“I’m very happy,” Ainsworth said about her appointment. “It’s something I aspired to for many years.”

She wants to have a new CYS director in place before long to implement changes mandated under new state regulations.

“I want to do this as soon as possible,” Ainsworth said.

However, there won’t necessarily be a new deputy human services director. Ainsworth will be working on a possible reorganization of human services that she said will save the county money.

As director of human services, she oversees roughly 100 county employees. The 2014 human services budget is $85 million.

Ainsworth is a 1972 graduate of North Allegheny High School and subsequently obtained a bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University.

She was one of 16 applicants for the job.

The state Department of Public Welfare narrowed the choices down to two people. Due to the state providing human services funding, it has a say in which applicants are qualified.

County Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said Ainsworth was the best candidate for the post.

“She was already in the system,” McCarrier said. “She’s been Carmine’s assistant.”

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton agreed Ainsworth was the most qualified.

“I think, in all honesty, she’s earned that job,” Pinkerton said.

He pointed out how Ainsworth served as the interim director of the county Area Agency on Aging in 2011 while simultaneously being CYS director.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein disagreed Ainsworth was the best choice.

“I pushed for the other one,” Eckstein said. “I had no qualms about it.”

He said it was time for a new perspective in human services.

“I just wanted to get fresh views,” Eckstein said.

Ainsworth filed a sexual discrimination complaint against Eckstein in 2012.

The commissioners settled the complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Eckstein’s wishes by agreeing to under go training in how to deal with workers.

Eckstein conceded past problems with Ainsworth affected his decision, saying how she interacted with him in the past indicated she wasn’t suited for this job.

Ainsworth said she’s prepared to deal with the various personalities comprising the board of commissioners.

“I think being up front and honest is the best approach,” she said. “I’m always willing to talk. I’m not going to carry any grudges.”

Ainsworth said she would keep the lines of communication open.

“I will always have an open door.”